Purpose : To confirm the efficacy of arthroscopic synovectomy fur the pigmented villonodular synovitis in the knee. Materials and Methods : Between October 1996 and February 2000, the arthroscopic synovectomy had been performed in six patients(six kne...
Purpose : To confirm the efficacy of arthroscopic synovectomy fur the pigmented villonodular synovitis in the knee. Materials and Methods : Between October 1996 and February 2000, the arthroscopic synovectomy had been performed in six patients(six knee joints), whose diagnoses were confirmed by pathologist. All patients complained of painful swelling in involved knee and four of the six patients had trauma history. There were three male and three female patients. Average age was 35.8 years ranging from 16 to 67 years. Follow up period was average 22.7 months(range, $13\~53$ months). Results : According to arthroscopic findings, there were three localized forms and three diffuse forms. At their last follow-up examinations, all patients had improvement in pain, swelling and range of motion and there was no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion : Complete arthroscopic excision is the definitive treatment for localized pigmented villonodular synovitis and meticulous arthroscopic excision through all portals including posterior portal can be considered as a valid alternative to traditional open synovectomy for the patients with diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis.